Hoop of Learning

Hoop of LearningThe Hoop of Learning Program serves Native American students and is designed as a high school-to-college bridge program administered by the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD). For more than 10 years, we have provided thousands of Native American students who, largely due to socio-economic reasons, would not have access to higher education, a pathway to college.

  • Increase high school graduation and retention rates.
  • Increase Native American enrollment and participation in college.
  • Empower Native American students to reach their goals.
  • Enhance Native American culturally relevant curriculum.
  • Increase diversity on campus.
  • Strengthen partnerships with external Native American communities, school districts, and other agencies.

The Paradise Valley HOOP Program goals have always been to educate our future generation of American Indians while also promoting self-identity via cultural appreciation. To give students a competitive, complete advantage in their pursuit of higher education. Participants in the HOL Scholarship Program will get the following:

  1. Tuition
  2. Books
  3. Workshops
  4. On-campus experience and resources: tutoring, counseling, library, computer lab, one one-on-one advising, and more

  • Student must be an enrolled member of a federal/state-recognized tribe (or in the process of obtaining a census #.)
  • Students are required to contact their High School counselor for approval.
  • Students must show proof of citizenship (CIB, or Birth Certificate)
  • Students must take Assessment tests in Reading, Writing & Math.
  • Students must have a minimum 2.00 GPA in High School
  • Student & Parent(s) must attend mandatory orientation.

*Tribes are distinct political entities with political sovereignty. Tribal sovereign nations have a government-to-government relationship with the U.S. government based on historical treaties, statues, and historical relations. Arizona is a unique state with 22 federally-recognized Native American tribes located within its borders. Maricopa Community Colleges recognizes the unique sovereign status of these tribes as well as those across the United States. As such, all scholarships offered to tribally enrolled members of a sovereign nation are not based on race or ethnicity but rather acknowledgement of tribal communities' unique political status recognized by the federal government and protected by the U.S. Constitution within the United States.

Hoop of Learning Sample

Ready to Apply

There are two steps to participate in the Hoop of Learning program:
Step 1: Submit the online application or packet application.  

  1. Make sure when applying you provide your Certification of Indian Blood documentation (CIB)
  2. You will have to create an account
  3. Video Instructions - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plyGIEq9ivQ&t=337s
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